Rescuers to commemorate 1895 tragedy

The annual ceremony to commemorate 15 crewmen who died when a lifeboat collapsed off the coast of Dublin more than 100 years ago is due to take place later today.

The 15 men lost their lives when the Civil Service Number Seven foundered in a ferocious storm off Merrion Strand on Christmas Eve in 1895. The vessel had gone to the rescue of a ship that had run aground.

Today's ceremony will take place on board a lifeboat at the site of the original accident, where a wreath will be laid following a short inter-denominational ecumenical service.